Years ago, most tenants arriving here needed furnished homes. The town was more transient, and shorter stays were common. Today, the market has shifted. We’re seeing far more long-term locals, families, and professional groups who want to settle in — and bring their own belongings with them.
Three to Four Bedroom Homes: Keep Them Unfurnished
Larger homes attract groups and families who already own furniture. These tenants want to make the space their own.
We consistently find that when tenants move in with their own furnishings, they take greater care of the property. Respect for their belongings naturally flows through to the home itself.
For three to four-bedroom properties, we strongly recommend offering the home unfurnished.
Two Bedroom Homes: Install Whiteware, Skip the Furniture
Two-bedroom homes often suit:
- A couple using the second room as an office, or
- A small family needing flexibility for a child’s room
In these cases, tenants usually want control over how that second space is set up — whether that’s a desk, a single bed, or a cot.
Our recommendation is to provide whiteware only (fridge, washing machine, dryer if space allows), but hold off on additional furniture.
One Bedroom Units: Furnishing Helps
One-bedroom units are the exception.
These properties typically suit singles and couples who don’t travel with much. Furnishing can:
- Broaden your tenant pool
- Encourage interest from those seeking 6-month leases if a 12-month term is proving difficult
- Make the property more appealing and convenient
A furnished one-bed should include:
- Whiteware
- Bed
- Couch
- Table
- Side tables
We do not recommend supplying kitchenware in any properties. Tenants prefer to use their own items, and it avoids unnecessary wear, breakages, and replacement costs for owners. It also keeps the tenancy agreement clearer and simpler.
Does Furnishing Increase the Rent?
The rental price difference between furnished and unfurnished homes in Queenstown is minimal. For this reason, we always recommend following the guidelines above rather than furnishing in the hope of achieving a higher weekly rent.